1. The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui aims to create harmony in a space by balancing the five elements of earth, metal, fire, wood, and water. A well-chosen Feng Shui fountain can be instrumental in achieving this harmonious positive energy, called Qi, by addressing the water element in your space. Choose a garden water fountain made of metal, wood, or ceramic to add two elements at once.
2. Most people focus on aesthetics and style when choosing a solar garden fountain, but sound is just as important. Do you find the light tinkling of rain or the rush of running water to be more relaxing? You can find solar garden fountains that make a gurgling noise or are virtually silent. It all depends on how the fountain pumps water, so choose the method that produces the sound to soothe your soul.
3. Outdoor garden fountain designs include classic Greek statues, ultra-modern orbs, powerful lion shapes, or realistic rock waterfalls. No matter what style you choose, a garden water fountain will add mesmerizing movement and peaceful noises to your outdoor space.
4. Attract flocks of colorful birds to your yard with a fun and enticing bird bath fountain. Birds will love taking showers, and a bird bath fountain will circulate the water to keep it fresher. Choose a solar bird bath fountain that you can place anywhere in your yard; birds are more likely to drop by for a shower in the sun anyway.
5. Complete your country or cottage garden with a nostalgic barrel fountain. These vintage-style garden fountains pair a rustic wine barrel with an old-fashioned hand pump for a charming, quaint look that will complement your daisies and wagon wheel.
6. The curious movement of a rolling sphere fountain will hypnotize you with wonder. A large sphere appears to spin freely and effortlessly in its pedestal, although it is actually floating on a thin layer of water gurgling up from the base. While some large commercial fountains feature spheres over seven feet in diameter, you can be captivated by a miniature version in your own backyard.
7. Drown out the unpleasant noise of the city or a busy street with the tranquil sound of a rock garden fountain. To really escape the bustle of urban life, choose a waterfall or rock fountain with an authentic, natural look.
8. Dress up a boring wall or fence line with a dramatic outdoor wall fountain. You can choose the traditional palace style exemplified by a lion's head spouting water into a basin, or a modern panel of slate rippling with water. Freestanding courtyard fountains can be tucked into a corner, placed along a path, or used to define an outdoor room.
9. Classic tiered fountains feature bowls stacked on top of each other; water will brim over the edge of the small, upper bowl on top to spill into lower bowls of increasing sizes. In contrast, cascade fountains have a series of bowls arranged like steps in a spiral staircase; water is sequentially poured from one bowl to the next. Both tiered fountains and cascade fountains pump water from the bottom reservoir back to the top to start the cycle again.
10. Available in many shapes and sizes, simple ceramic urn fountains are an ideal choice for your modern garden. The large, glazed planters come in brilliant colors to suit any style. With this outdoor fountain style, usually water will brim over the rim and pour down the sides to be collected in an oversized saucer.
